Hitting book shelves 40 years after the much-loved story was first published, Morpurgo’s new chapter book will feature Briggs’ timeless characters, bringing them to an older audience.

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Children’s writer Michael Morpurgo is to write a new middle-grade novel, re-imagining the iconic Raymond Briggs story, The Snowman.

Hitting book shelves 40 years after the much-loved story was first published, Morpurgo’s new chapter book will feature Briggs’ timeless characters, bringing them to an older audience.

The new title will be aimed at children aged seven and above.

Raymond Briggs created The Snowman in 1978 as a picture book, narrated through hand-drawn illustrations. It has since become a national treasure for generations of children.

World rights in the title were acquired by Anna Barnes from Veronique Baxter at David Higham Agency for Michael Morpurgo, and from Hilary Delamere at the Agency for Raymond Briggs. The new novel will be illustrated by Robin Shaw, an assistant director on the film The Snowman and the Snowdog.

Morpurgo said: “It has been an honour and a sheer joy to tell again, in my own way, Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman, arguably one of the most beloved books in the world. I have loved doing it, as I hope to goodness you love reading it. It is different, but the same.”

Francesca Dow, managing director at Penguin Random House Children’s added: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be bringing two of the greatest names in children’s books together in this magical retelling of The Snowman.

“Michael’s evocative and heartfelt writing, combined with Raymond’s magical classic story, will make this new storybook one that families will want to read together for years to come.”

Michael Morpurgo’s story will be published in hardback this October and is currently available for pre-order.